LG Display is rumored to be developing HMO technology, and Apple Watch is expected to be the first to adopt it

On June 1, according to Korean media The elec, LG Display is developing and verifying HMO technology on its 6th generation small and medium-sized OLED production line. The specific development time of this technology is not yet clear. It is worth noting that unlike Samsung Display, which uses atomic layer deposition technology on its 8.6-generation production line, LG Display uses sputtering equipment to develop HMO technology.

Industry insiders speculate that LG Display’s HMO technology may be mainly used in OLED displays used in devices such as Apple Watch. Another industry insider explained: "It is understood that LG Display plans to first supply this technology for smart watches next year. In order to facilitate price negotiations, Apple does not prefer exclusive supply, but prefers a dual-channel or three-channel supply strategy."

It is reported that HMO is one of the driving methods of TFT. TFT is a semiconductor device that achieves switching functions by controlling current. They can be divided into amorphous silicon, low-temperature polysilicon, low-temperature polysilicon, oxides, etc.

Among them, unlike LTPS and LTPO, oxide does not require processes such as laser crystallization or ion implantation, and has the advantage of low power consumption. LTPO combines the advantages of LTPS and oxides and is widely used in small and medium-sized OLED panels; while HMO technology focuses more on the advantages of oxides such as low power consumption and low manufacturing costs.

Generally, oxides are considered to be factors that restrict OLEDs from achieving high resolution or high refresh rate performance due to their low electron mobility. The electron mobility of currently mass-produced oxides is below 10 cm2/Vs. The industry expects that the target mobility of oxides used in next-generation IT OLEDs should be between 30 and 50 cm2/Vs. Improving the electron mobility of oxides is the key to achieving high-flux HMO.

The sputtering method used by LG Display is a thin film formation technology used in oxide processes. It is easy to integrate with existing processes and can use existing mass production equipment. However, the technology must simultaneously meet HMO requirements for high electron mobility, large-area uniformity, and long-term reliability.

LG Display’s HMO technology research and development is also closely related to Apple’s application of new OLED technology. Industry insiders predict that Apple will first cooperate with LG Display to verify the application of some new technologies on Apple Watch, and then seek development support from Samsung Display and LG Display when expanding into the field of mobile devices.

However, applicable products and timing have not yet been finalized. Whether the actual application will be implemented will depend on the customer's schedule and equipment verification results. LG Display must confirm whether HMO technology is suitable for mass production on its 6th generation production line. Key factors include not only electron mobility, but also process temperature, uniformity, reliability and yield.